Always Be Yourself?

It’s funny when people tell you to “always be yourself.” How could you possibly be anybody else? Does that mean that you ought to just settle for being how you are instead of striving for greatness? It’s okay to be yourself, but if you aren’t where you want to be, then perhaps you should try something a little different.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
–Unknown

Living Up to Your Own Expectations

So if you start to think that you suck at life, that’s okay. It’s perfectly natural not live up to your own expectations, but let that be a motivator to strive for excellence. Be the best possible version of yourself. There’s always room to grow.

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

In order to be the best possible version of yourself, it’s necessary to practice taking action in ways that may not feel comfortable. If you find yourself being lazy, do something about it! Social pressure can cause you to go into your shell. You have to make a conscious effort in the beginning to step outside your comfort zone until it becomes a habit. Talk to strangers. Be adventurous.

Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing yourself to others is not healthy. It can lead to intense feelings of fear, anger or sadness. I think that’s one of the big reasons people say to always be yourself, but we don’t have to compare ourselves to others in order to learn from them. We can observe and admire someone without letting those feelings turn into envy or jealousy. Life is not a popularity contest.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Yes, it’s a good idea to be honest with yourself, and it’s good to admit when you are not as great as you want to be. However, don’t be discouraged by your current situation. Keep practicing to better yourself. You will never be perfect in every way, but you will learn to be better than you were yesterday.

Sad to hear that Prince passed away today. Here is our favorite inspirational Prince quote. Feel free to share you favorite prince quotes in the comments. Here’s to an innovator, pioneer and a legend. May he rest in purple.

In the movie, Kung Fu Panda, Master Oogway says, “Yesterday is History. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”

According to one source I found, The full quote was originally in the 1902 book, “Sun Dials and Roses of Yesterday: Garden Delights…” by Alice Morse Earle, and is as follows:

“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”

Note that the words “Time Waits for No Man” is a play on words or punning device of “gnomon” that has been used on sun dials. A gnomon is a pointer on a sun dial. Many believe the phrase has its root in “Time and Tide wait for No Man,” meaning no one is so powerful that he can stop the march of time.

Another source believed that it was said by Eleanor Roosevelt…
Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; If he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; He, who loses a friend, loses much more; He, who loses faith, loses all. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art. Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me…. You brought another friend…. And then there were 3…. We started our group…. Our circle of friends…. And like that circle…. There is no beginning or end…. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. (Eleanor Roosevelt)